Whether you are studying for a Master’s in Business Administration, or simply hope to be hired by another person’s company at some point, it is highly important to gain valuable, hands-on business experience and skills. There is no better time to prepare for the future than now. Want to know the best jobs to prepare for a future in the business industry? Follow Florida National University’s tips. Here are the best student jobs to build business experience:
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Restaurant Industry
Restaurant experience is a great way to learn customer service. This is probably one of the easiest jobs to take on as a college student because most restaurants allow flexible schedules, especially in college towns. Working in a fast-paced environment can teach you to manage stress. Working as a server, bartender, host or cook can help students develop “thick skin.” Sometimes customers are just unhappy, so having the ability to brush it off is important to learn.
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Retail Sales
Working off commission gets students in the mindset to sell, which is a highly needed attribute in the business world. By working in sales and earning a commission, students will have the ability to further understand why closing a sale is so important. Not only does it directly affect the business, but it will also directly affect their wallets, motivating them to sell more, which increases profitability. The longer you work in this setting, the greater chance you have to move up in the company. After a few years of dedication and commitment, retail salespersons are often offered a management position.
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Management
After some time with a company, employees may be offered the opportunity to manage. This is a great way to gain experience, as managers are in charge of several aspects, ensuring that a business runs smoothly. Useful skills managers learn and use daily include task delegation, handling finances, completing, ordering, accepting shipments and orders, hiring and conducting interviews. A management position is one of the best ways to prepare for entering the business world.
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Receptionist
A receptionist position is a great way to learn the basics of working in an office. Receptionists manage the office, keep track of employee files, mail out and receive mail and packages, and help to keep the office organized. They are often employees’ go-to person when something is needed. Gaining experience in this role is a step in the right direction for future project managers.
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Personal Startup
Selling art, baked goods or other handmade products in an online store (such as Etsy) is a fun and personal way to gain business experience. These individuals gain practice and experience running a business, without working under anyone else. That means it’s a great time for hashing out business model ideas, unique value propositions and marketing ideas. Skills earned during this practice include business management, customer service, entrepreneurship experience, planning and scheduling.
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Freelancing
No matter what a student’s craft is, they have the potential to gain business experience by freelancing their services and skills. Freelancing offers some of the best hands-on industry experience, as students will be communicating with clients while learning more about what does and does not work for their target market via client feedback.
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Internship
An internship is almost better than freelancing when it comes to gaining hands-on experience and sharpening business skills. Students in an internship can practice real-life skills with the help of direction and development from a professional in the industry of one’s projected career path. Students who plan to work in someone’s business someday will be well prepared after gaining experience in an internship. For example, an internship at a company that offers internet marketing services will prepare a student for a fast-paced work environment and get them up to speed with all the latest trends in the world of e-commerce and online lead generation.
Florida National University: Helping You Prepare for the Future
We are committed to helping our students prepare for their future careers through excellent education, skill-building, and with help from the Job Placement Office — a service offered to our students and alumni to help them locate a position in their field. If you are ready to kick start your career and prepare for your future, contact us today at 305-821-3333 for more information on our Business Administration programs.
